Retail Associate - Part Time, Winter 26/27

About the Role

Crystal Mountain is looking for energetic, outgoing, and guest-focused individuals to join our Retail Team. The Retail Associate is responsible for creating an exceptional shopping experience by providing friendly, knowledgeable service while assisting guests in finding the right products for their mountain adventures. Retail Associates support all aspects of retail operations, including cashiering, merchandising, stocking, inventory management, visual presentation, and guest assistance.

This position requires a passion for customer service, the ability to learn and communicate product knowledge, and the desire to help guests find products that enhance their Crystal Mountain experience. The ideal candidate is dependable, organized, and comfortable working in a fast-paced retail environment.

Responsibilities

• Guest Service & Sales
  • Provide exceptional guest service by greeting customers, identifying their needs, and assisting them with product selection.
  • Build genuine connections with guests while creating a welcoming and engaging shopping experience.
  • Provide knowledgeable recommendations on apparel, equipment, accessories, gifts, and resort merchandise.
  • Educate guests on product features, benefits, sizing, fit, and proper use.
  • Recommend additional products and accessories to enhance the guest experience and maximize sales opportunities.
  • Process retail transactions accurately using point-of-sale (POS) systems.
  • Handle credit card transactions, returns, exchanges, and other sales-related processes according to company policies.
  • Assist guests with questions regarding products, pricing, promotions, and resort offerings.
  • Resolve guest concerns professionally while seeking positive solutions.
• Merchandising & Store Operations
  • Maintain a visually appealing sales floor through effective merchandising, product placement, and display execution.
  • Create engaging displays in high-traffic areas that support seasonal promotions and maximize sales opportunities.
  • Stock, replenish, and organize merchandise throughout the day.
  • Monitor inventory levels and communicate replenishment needs to supervisors and management.
  • Assist with receiving, tagging, organizing, and preparing new merchandise for the sales floor.
  • Maintain accurate product presentation, including pricing, signage, and brand standards.
  • Support inventory counts, product transfers, and seasonal store resets.
  • Complete opening and closing procedures, including store preparation, cleaning, and securing the retail space.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe shopping environment.
• Team Collaboration & Development
  • Attend product clinics, vendor trainings, and department meetings to increase product knowledge.
  • Stay current on resort offerings, retail products, brands, and seasonal promotions.
  • Work collaboratively with Retail, Rental, and other resort departments to provide a seamless guest experience.
  • Communicate supply needs, operational concerns, and guest feedback to leadership.
  • Assist at other retail locations or venues as business needs require.
  • Follow all company policies regarding safety, security, loss prevention, and guest service standards.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma/GED.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Highly organized and detail oriented.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt and grow.
• Ability to work in a self-directed environment.
• Background in hospitality industry preferred.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Work evenings, weekends, and holidays throughout the winter season.
• Able to lift, carry, or otherwise move and position a minimum of 40 pounds on an occasional basis.
• Auditory and visual acuity to operate computers, mobile devices, and basic office equipment on a constant basis.
• Ability to work for extended periods of time standing, walking, kneeling, pushing, and pulling on an occasional basis.
• Ability to talk, listen, and ask questions in the process of communicating with guests, supervisors, and other employees.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. This position description is an overview of the scope of responsibilities for the role described above. Responsibilities may evolve with the resort, requiring flexibility and willingness to accept new responsibilities.

Benefits

• Free Alterra season pass (unlimited, direct to lift at all Alterra resorts) + free Alterra season pass for spouse and dependents 25 & under.
• 50% off window ticket price at IKON partner resorts.
• Free access to Alterra Mountain destinations during time off.
• Free ski-referral letters for employees to use at other mountain resorts during time off.
• Free friends & family day-ski vouchers (periodic allotment).
• Discounts on ski & snowboard lessons, rentals, and gear tune-ups.
• Discounts on food & beverage and retail shops at Crystal Mountain.
• Free Crystal branded swag.
• Pro deals on gear with hundreds of brands.
• Discount Marketplace for accessories, auto, electronics, entertainment, fitness, food, home, pet supplies, travel, and more.
• Employee-only night skiing events.
• Employee housing available for eligible positions.
• Accrued paid time off for eligible positions.
• Group health insurance for eligible positions.
• 401K benefit and generous match with immediate vesting for all staff members over 18.
• Opportunities for growth, advancement, and year-round employment.

Pay

$20.50–$22.00 per hour.

About Crystal Mountain

Crystal Mountain is the Pacific Northwest's premier destination for skiers, snowboarders, and summer adventurers. We are part of Alterra Mountain Company, which consists of some of the world's most aspirational brands. A career with Crystal Mountain is more than what you do today; it's being part of creating a community rooted in the spirit of the mountains, united by a passion for adventure, and celebrating the legendary adventures and enduring memories that mountains bring to everyone.

We embrace empowerment, honor authenticity, cultivate collaboration, and prioritize purpose. Crystal Mountain delivers best-in-class service and adventures worthy of our extraordinary terrain and beauty. We are here to shape the future of mountain adventure.